SHELTER SORTS DOGS INTO HARRY POTTER HOUSES

In an effort to end breed discrimination and boost adoption rates at their shelter, the Pet Alliance of Orlando is sorting their dogs into categories inspired by the four house of Hogwarts from the famed Harry Potter series. But rather than using a sorting hat, a canine behavior specialist places each dog into one of four groups - Gryffindogs, Ravenpaw, Hufflefluff and Slobberin - based on common interests, skills and character traits.

According to Executive Director Stephan Bardy, the "pawgwards" campaign is a fun, lighthearted way to encourage people to adopt based on personality rather than breed. "Instead of "I want a Lab," we want people to really think through choosing a dog," he says. The second month of the campaign brought a 10% increase in adoption.